Health workers at the Tema Urban Hospital are urging the public to take immediate action against the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Speaking on Plan B 104.5 FM’s Nyansapo Fie show, the team explained that AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites evolve to withstand the medicines meant to treat them. This makes infections harder to cure and increases the risk of severe illness, prolonged treatment and death.
They stressed that the biggest contributors to AMR are the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Repeatedly taking the same medicine without proper guidance, they said, allows microorganisms to adapt and survive, turning once simple infections into stubborn, drug resistant ones.
The health workers also warned parents against buying medicines over the counter for their children without medical advice. Many, they noted, give the same drugs to all their children sometimes even twins without considering differences in symptoms, weight or overall health.
They advised parents and guardians to:
Administer medications exactly as prescribed
Use drugs appropriate for each child’s weight and condition
Maintain good hygiene through regular handwashing and sanitizing
Ensure children complete their full course of antibiotics
Visit the hospital instead of relying on self medication
The team emphasized that responsible antibiotic use is crucial to slowing the spread of drug resistant infections. Their message on Nyansapo Fie was clear and urgent: protecting public health requires proper treatment, proper dosage and proper guidance.
By:Akosua Gyamfua/Planbfmonline.com
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